02-JUN-2011
Lupine
A truly pretty flower that attracts a lot of insects. Not the native lupine! Growing in the Butterfly Meadow.
02-JUN-2011
Fox
This beautiful adult fox was observed by Ben Mancini at the garden on June 2nd. Diane also saw a fox in the same general location. That is good news, as they haven't been quite as common there as they were a few years ago.
02-JUN-2011
Four-spotted skimmer (Libellula quadrimaculata)
Found in the Butterfly Meadow.
02-JUN-2011
Green frog (Rana clamitans) in BYG pond
This frog is really green, unlike many which can range from almost black to pale brown. I counted five in the BYG pond today, and there could have been more. They are calling from the Amphibian Pond, along with treefrogs, which were very vocal a few nights ago.
02-JUN-2011
Ebony Jewelwing, female (Calopteryx maculata)
This was taken in the Arboretum, but I include it because we also find them at FWG. So, keep your eyes peeled for these pretty damselflies. The males are particularly spectacular!
02-JUN-2011
Hobomok skipper (Poanes hobomok) on DSV leaf
Early June, and the hobos are back! As predictable as clockwork! I say "back", but really they have overwintered as a chrysalis, not flown back from somewhere else! It was the only butterfly I saw this afternoon at FWG, but it was very windy and cool, so not surprising.
02-JUN-2011
Haploa caterpillar
We often see these distinctive caterpillars at this time of year, particularly on hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale).
02-JUN-2011
Butterfly Meadow
This is the older section of the Butterfly Meadow, with lupines and comfrey. The new section is just behind where I am standing, and is full of a great diversity of plants, thanks to the work of Diane and her crew of Wednesday evening volunteers.
02-JUN-2011
Hover fly (Sphaerophoria sp.) on goat's-beard
Another of the small hover flies common at the garden.
02-JUN-2011
Hover fly (Toxomerus marginatus), female
These minuscule flies (4-6mm)are abundant, and I found many of them throughout the garden.
02-JUN-2011
Crab spiders, male and female (Misumena vatia)
Found on a Viburnum trilobum in the Butterfly Meadow. Males of this species are rarely seen, and you can see why! They are minute. Yes, that is the male on the abdomen of the female! The female measures about 8-10mm, while the male is 3-4mm. When I first saw the female, I thought she had a speck of dirt on her back, the male looked that tiny. Only when I took a shot and then reviewed the image in my camera, did I realize I was looking at a mating pair!